by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — A student from Chester is one of ten Southern Illinois University Carbondale students in the 2022 homecoming court.
Jaci “Rose” South hopes to be one of the top two candidates who will be crowned during halftime of the 2 p.m. football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Saluki Stadium.
South is a junior computer science major with psychology minor. She says her focus is on scholarship, leadership and service.
Online student voting takes place Oct. 10-13.
The other finalists, chosen by committee following interviews, are:
Julian Acevedo, a senior zoology major with Spanish and environmental science minors from Plainfield, Illinois, Aceveo enjoys travel and collecting tools in countries visited to carry for future visits to different places.
Grace Gonzalez, a senior early childhood major with American Sign Language minor from Gonzalez is president of Sigma Kappa.
Arianna Goss, a senior health care management major with minors in long-term care administration, health informatics/information management and communications, from Sainte Marie, Illinois. Goss has been active in Delta Zeta sorority, Undergraduate Student Government, the Research-Enriched Academic Challenge (REACH) program and volunteer work.
Alaina Herman, a senior dental hygiene major from Jerseyville, Illinois, Herman has been involved in Greek life since arriving at SIU and held numerous leadership positions.
Robert Hodges, a junior aviation technology major with helicopter maintenance minor from Hodges is president of the Gamma Upsilon chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Kylen Lunn, a senior cinema major with photography minor from Swansea, Illinois, Lunn is passionate about cultivating and sharing the Saluki experience with current and future students through cinematography and social media.
Raven Spears, a senior criminal justice and criminology major with sociology minor from East St. Louis, Illinois. Spears wants to become a criminal defense attorney and enjoys building connections and meeting new people
Jacob Vezensky, a senior architecture major with environmental studies minor from Lakemoore, Illinois. Vezensky enjoys sports, Greek life, attending concerts and being a residence hall adviser.
Brittany Wendel, a senior dental hygiene major from Streamwood, Illinois. Wendel works at the Tutoring Center, records TikTok videos for the Student Center and gives campus tours, calling herself Saluki obsessed.
To qualify as a homecoming court candidate, a student must be an undergraduate junior or senior in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.5.
Find the complete schedule of events and additional information about SIU’s 2022 homecoming festivities at homecoming.siu.edu.